Life is never easy for someone that suffers from Osteogenesis imperfecta, a disease more commonly referred to as brittle bone disease.
That was especially true for 22-year old Gonzalo Gonzales, who arrived from his rural village to Transitions Foundation 12 years ago tied into a small wooden chair strapped to his father’s back like a sack of vegetables.
After suffering a series of broken bones, he needed crutches and eventually a wheelchair, all of which he received from Transitions.
But Gonzalo knows everyone has a cross to bear, and he refuses to let this burden crush his spirit.
“I have goals to do something with my life,” said Gonzalo. “I know it might not be easy, but I can’t let anything stand in my way.”
So he returned to Transitions once again two years ago to seek work in the Wheelchair Workshop in order to help construct wheelchairs for others in need. He also received a scholarship from Transitions, and is currently attending school on weekends to realize his dream of becoming an accountant.
“I am working and studying very hard to achieve my dreams,” he said. “I don’t know where I would be without help from Transitions. But with their aid and my determination, I think I will be able to do some big things.”
